Going back to work regarding COVID-19

Dr. Daniel Samo is a board-certified emergency physician at Northwestern Hospital who has been practicing occupational medicine for 33 years. His medical knowledge and emergency experience uniquely qualify him to educate the public on topics such as re-entering the workspace.

Dr. Samo’s message is simple, businesses are re-opening, but Covid-19 is still here. Dr. Samo uses his experience in the medical profession to offer advice and what precautions we can take at home, and as we rejoin the workforce.

How To Reduce The Risk Of Resurgence?

Going back to work will make social distancing difficult, and even if the employer screens for symptoms, it will be difficult to recognize because 25%-50% of individuals show no signs as they are asymptomatic. 

Two ways we can take precaution:

• Preventing droplets from a cough, sneeze, or talking in the air.
  • Barrier Mask – i.e., Surgical mask, trap droplets from getting into the air, helping to stop the spread; however they don’t necessarily prevent you from contracting infection due to openings in the sides of the mask.
• Filtering the air you breathe through a mask to prevent droplets from getting in your mask.
  • Filtering or Respirator Mask – N95 and KN95 masks are tightly fitted to your face creating a seal. As you breathe, the virus gets trapped in a barrier created by the material.

When Is It Safe To Go Back To Work?

• 7 days after the onset of their symptoms and
• You have been symptom-free for 72 hours
• No fever, dry cough or runny nose

What If Someone At Home Has Covid-19?

The household member should quarantine for 14 days, and quarantine for seven days after the end of symptoms.

What Should You Continue To Do To Reduce Transmitting Covid-19?

• Social Distancing – 6 Feet Apart
• Maintain Personal Hygiene
• Hand Washing
• Use Hand Sanitizer
• Avoid Touching Your Nose, Mouth, And Eyes
• Avoid Touching Your Mask
• Clean Surfaces Regularly

For more information about how to open your businesses from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), click here